NEWS

Regents Approve Architect Search For RSU's
Center For Economic, Community Development

The University of Oklahoma Board of
Regents has approved Rogers State University to begin the architect selection
process for its Center for Economic and Community Development.

The OU board of regents, the governing
board for RSU, during its meeting this week granted authorization for RSU
President Dr. Joe Wiley to initiate the process for selecting an architect for
the proposed facility. The building would provide incubator space for
entrepreneurial business and technology companies, as well as house RSU's Center
for Economic and Community Development, which was established in July 2002 to
foster regional and state economic development.

The building would include office
space, a computer lab, meeting rooms, a business resource library,
administrative offices and other support facilities to provide a support system
for entrepreneurial companies.

"In order for Oklahoma's economy to
grow, we must work together to provide a supportive environment where existing
or emerging companies in growing sectors such as knowledge-based industries and
service industries are given the opportunity and the tools necessary for
success," said Dr. Ray Brown, RSU's vice president for Economic and Community
Development.

RSU has secured private and federal
matching funds to assist in construction of the facility. The proposed location
for the building is on RSU's Claremore campus, just west of the rifle range.

After the selection process is
complete, Wiley will bring RSU's recommendation for an architect to the OU board
of regents for approval.